Redistricting, school closing plans underway in New Milford

Susan Tuz

Published 7:01 pm, Wednesday, September 3, 2014

NEW MILFORD -- Superintendent of Schools JeanAnn Paddyfote is on the fast track when it comes to preparing for changes in the school district.

Consulting firm Milone & MacBroom have been lined up to update enrollment projections and review schools utilization as the district prepares to close Pettibone School, reconfigure grades and redistrict the town for the 2015-16 school year.

"New Milford has no history of closing a school due to declining enrollment," Paddyfote said. "It is imperative to have technical assistance for redistricting and 120 days of additional personnel support."

Declining enrollment at Northville Elementary School is accelerating beyond that at Pettibone or Hill & Plain schools. As a result, the redistricting will have to be done in such a way as to put more families in the Northville school area, Paddyfote said.

Paddyfote plans to ask the Board of Education Aug. 9 for $13,750 for Milone & MacBroom's work. The money can be transferred from $25,000 in funds that had been earmarked for a consultant to help set up the new MUNIS computer system, she said. That consultant was never hired.

"May will be the critical month," Paddyfote said. "We'll need extra pairs of hands to bring all the work necessary in on schedule. The administrative staff can't have its eye on that goal given its requirements for managing this school year."

The cost of that 120 days of additional help will be about $78,000.

Mayor Pat Murphy gave Paddyfote assurances that the town would assist with the process. The education board will decide whether to ask Town Council for a special appropriation to pay for the help.

"I support doing all of this," said board member Bob Coppola. "We've got to do this right."

Paddyfote said parents should know by mid-may if their children are in the Northville or Hill & Plain elementary district. Teachers should know by late April where they will be assigned.